Costosternal Anatomy

Anatomy of the thoracic wall.

(Keywords: costosternal anatomy, costo sternal, chest pain, breastbone pain)

The costosternal anatomy is unique in the body, and quite diffent to the other bones and joints. This is because of its important function of protection of the vital organs, whilst still enabling breathing. The ribs make up an important part of the thoracic wall.

1. The STERNUM , or breastbone, in front,

2. which connects via twelve pairs of RIBS to

3. twelve THORACIC VERTEBRAE posteriorly.

The joints between the breastbone and the ribs are made up of special so-called COSTAL CARTILAGE which may sometimes become very painful in the Tietzes syndrome - breastbone pain ...

Muscles

The spaces between the ribs are filled by the INTERCOSTAL MUSCLES. These muscles extends from the sternum to the angle of the rib, posteriorly. They are very important in breathing.

The PECTORALIS MAJOR muscle is can be seen on the anterior thoracic wall. It has two origins, one of which is the sternocostal cartilages and the other the sternum bone.

The PECTORALIS MINOR muscle is located at a deeper level than the pectoralis major muscle. It originates from the third, fourth and fifth ribs and is inserted in the coracoid process of the scapula.

The SERRATUS ANTERIOR muscle covers most of the lateral thoracic wall and originates from the first nine ribs. Its fibers converge posteriorly to be inserted into the medial margin of the scapula, thus contributing towards forming the medial wall of the axilla.

The diminutive SUBCLAVIUS muscle originates from the first rib, close to the chondrocostal junction, to be inserted in the collarbone. Its function is to stabilize the clavicle in movements of the shoulder.

Costo sternal joints: Breastbone Pain

BATS IN MY BELFRY

Says chiropractor Emma Maria Nygren:

"I am looking forward to your third book, Dr Preston. I really enjoyed reading Frog and Bats! They make you think, laugh and relax just like a good book should!"

For more information, click here … BATS IN MY BELFRY

Costo Vertebral Joints

• One with the transverse process, the so called COSTO-TRANSVERSE JOINT, and

• Two with the vertebral bodies above and below the rib, the so called COSTO-VERTEBRAL JOINTS.

This arrangement restrains the motion of the ribs allowing them to work in a parallel fashion during breathing. If a rib had only one joint posteriorly, the resultant swivel action would allow a rib to move out of sinc with respect to its neighboring ribs, making for a very inefficient respiratory mechanism.

These joints may be sprained, often after a violent sneeze, causing severe sharp pain with every breath. The condition responds extremely well to a gentle chiropractic adjustment.

FROM THE COAL FACE : Iatrogenic Illness

Mrs S is a thirtyish woman who had significant Low Back Pain since shortly after the birth of a her first child, about three years ago.

Opinion has it that much low back pain starts during the last trimester of the pregnancy, but in my experience it often starts soon AFTER the birth of the child. All the lifting ... and sometimes within a month of being pregnant.

The lower back pain didn't improve with various other medical ministrations, and six months the pain started radiating down her leg.

She has responded very well, and after a month her low back and leg pain is almost gone.

But ... I adjusted a subluxation between her shoulder blades, where she had no pain, and she is now really suffering! It's a little better, but she's not a happy lady. She came with one pain, and left with another!

That's what we call Iatrogenic Illness, or doctor-caused-disease.

Read more … IATROGENIC ILLNESS

UPDATE: Fortunately with the correct management of her rib the pain soon passed. My point? Rib pain can be caused by an overly zealous manipulation in the mid-back.

For information about chiropractic treatment of rib pain, click here … RIB PAIN TREATMENT

Costosternal Anatomy - The Breast

A breast condition may mimic the costo-sternal syndrome, and occasionally a breast examination by your chiropractor may be indicated. Alternatively, you could ask that your GP do the examination. Talk frankly about it.

During the treatment of the costo-chondral syndrome, the doctor's hands will approximate the breast tissue as they firmly hold the rib during the in or out phase of breathing. He should release his grip, and slightly remove his hands during the inactive phase of breathing, to ensure that there is no embarrassment.

Should you feel awkward then it may be necessary to ask a friend or family member to accompany you for breastbone pain treatment, or ask if the secretary may be present. It is best to talk frankly about it.

Nerves

The pain often radiates along the length of the rib causing flank pain (under the armpit), chest pain mimicing a heart attack if it's on the left side and, if it involves the lower ribs on the right, gallbladder or liver conditions.

As can be seen the costosternal anatomy is unusual in both function and structure, making it vulnerable to various pain syndromes. Other conditions may mimic a rib problem. For example, should you also be experiencing indigestion, a hiatus hernia. INDIGESTION HEARTBURN ...
To go from COSTOSTERNAL ANATOMY to RIB PAIN TREATMENT Go from Costosternal Anatomy to CHIROPRACTIC HELP home page …

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